Clean Paleo Comfort Food Cookbook by Jessica DeMay

 

Here is the book summary:

Clean Paleo Comfort Food Cookbook enables you to have all the dishes you love without the ingredients that sabotage your weight and health. Written by Jessica DeMay, creator of the beloved blog Real Food with Jessica, these recipes will nourish and delight you. Many recipes are also Low-FODMAP and keto compliant! 

Everyone loves comfort food, but comfort food is often thought of as a cheat meal high in calories and low in nutrition. What if you could have the hearty and tasty dishes you love without the dairy, gluten, grains, and sugar? What if vegetables and seasonings could be used in creative ways to create the comfort food creaminess, heartiness, and flavor that you love? No diet, no matter how healthy, is sustainable if the only thing you can eat is plain protein with a side of green vegetables. With this cookbook, you can stick to your clean paleo diet and enjoy craveable recipes like: 

·       Sheet Pan Pancakes

·       Scotch Eggs

·       Instant Pot Applesauce

·       Broccoli and Ham Crustless Quiche

·       Baked Mac and Cheese

·       Bourbon Chicken

·       Chicken Bacon Ranch Meatloaf

·       Chili Dog Casserole

·       Bolognese

·       Taco Casserole

·       French Onion Soup with Meatballs

·       Clam Chowder

·       Butternut Squash Pecan Crumble

·       Cashew Butter Swirl Brownies

·       Banoffee Pie

And now, my review:

There are so many great recipes to be had in this new book out by Jessica DeMay called Clean Paleo Comfort Food Cookbook.  I feel like the layout of the book is wonderful, with all the full-color images of her wonderful dishes.  It causes quite the mouth-watering responses.  I have enjoyed for years her recipes that she has shared personally and on-line that I was super excited to see a book coming out by her.  It did not disappoint.  From how to make mayo and ketchup to main meals, soups, and desserts. You’re going to want to get your hands on this one.  I highly recommend it.  

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher and I’m giving my honest review of that I thought.

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin

 
Here is the book summary:

A riveting new story of heroism, heartache, and the power of love to heal all wounds.

Murphy Shepherd is a man with many secrets. He lives alone on an island, tending the grounds of a church with no parishioners, and he’s dedicated his life to rescuing those in peril. But as he mourns the loss of his mentor and friend, Murph himself may be more lost than he realizes.

When he pulls a beautiful woman named Summer out of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, Murph’s mission to lay his mentor to rest at the end of the world takes a dangerous turn. Drawn to Summer, and desperate to find her missing daughter, Murph is pulled deeper and deeper into the dark and dangerous world of modern-day slavery.

With help from some unexpected new friends, including a faithful Labrador he plucks from the ocean and an ex-convict named Clay, Murph must race against the clock to locate the girl before he is consumed by the secrets of his past—and the ghosts who tried to bury them.

With Charles Martin’s trademark lyricism and poignant prose, The Water Keeper is at once a tender love story and a heartrending search for freedom.

“I’m telling you, it’s an action-packed, classic Charles Martin romance novel unlike anything I’ve ever read. And remember . . . the day you pick up this book is the day you become temporarily unavailable to the world.” —Charlie Martin, son of Charles Martin

“Charles Martin fans rejoice, because he’s done it again . . . a multilayered story woven together with grace and redemption, and packed tight with tension and achingly real characters.” —Lauren Denton, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Hideaway

“In The Water Keeper Charles Martin crafts a compelling story with skill and sensitivity. Open the pages of this book and you’ll enter the world of characters caught up in a real-life drama that grips the heart. As with all of Charles’s books you never finish it—you continue to live there in your own imagination. Current fans won’t be disappointed; new readers will understand why Charles Martin is on the short list of contemporary authors I recommend above all others.” —Robert Whitlow, bestselling author

·       The first story in a new series from Charles Martin

·       Full-length novel (c. 110,000 words)

·       Includes Discussion Questions for Book Clubs

·       Also by Charles Martin: The Mountain Between Us, Send Down the Rain, Long Way Gone, When Crickets Cry

 And now, my review:

I found The Waterkeeper by Charles Martin to be a book that I didn’t really like.  I was really disappointed that I couldn’t get into this one.  I found it to be sappy.  I didn’t even make it past the first chapter.  It seems to be written more for a female reader than a male reader.  But it wouldn’t appeal to a woman either because it’s gory.  It was trying to appeal to man’s adventure side but it missed the mark by drawing out the sentimentality of the characters.  An example of this is taking 15 paragraphs for a man to die.  The character had a bottle of wine in the middle of nowhere with a cracker that he had to take before he died.  I found this ridiculous. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Water-Keeper-Charles-Martin-ebook/dp/B07TCYXBGN/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+water+keeper&qid=1609289835&sr=8-1

Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 

Here is the book summary:

Mysteries, family secrets, and the love of a true Father are found at the heart of this gripping novel from the bestselling author of Bringing Maggie Home

Newlyweds Sean Eagle and Meghan DeFord are no strangers to pain and loss. As cold-case detectives, they know intimately the anguish family members endure after the murder or disappearance of a loved one. But when a new case hits too close to home, it threatens to pull loose the fragile cords of their young marriage.
 
Sheila Menke was just a girl when her father left for work and never returned. An investigation revealed he had embezzled enough to start a new life elsewhere, but Sheila could never accept the court’s criminalization of her father. Meghan reluctantly takes the case, secretly fearing it will stir up buried feelings about her own biological father. And while Sean investigates the mysterious death of two young brothers, he longs to start a family. But Meghan worries that with a negligent mother and an absentee father as her parenting examples, she might never be fit for motherhood.
 
As they delve deeper into the past, both Meghan and Sheila must choose to either stumble along the road of bitterness and resentment or walk the difficult path toward forgiveness and healing. When the cases begin to break wide open, these young women are poised to discover that while earthly fathers may fail, there is one in heaven who is a father to the fatherless.

And now, my review:

I found Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer to be a favorable read.  The author let’s us into the characters lives as we watch how they work together on investigation cases and come into new ones.  Sometimes, based on their life experiences, there can be tension with this.  There’s also a story line of wanting to extend their family.  They have quite a few things to work through.  That sure kept me reading through this one. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Unveiling-Past-Kim-Vogel-Sawyer/dp/052565366X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=unveiling+the+past&qid=1609275204&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/unveiling-the-past-a-novel/kim-sawyer/9780525653660/pd/653661?product_redirect=1&search_term=unveiling%20the%20past&Ntt=653661&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unveiling-the-past-kim-vogel-sawyer/1133013412?ean=9780525653660

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter

 

Here is the book summary:

For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a loss.

The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.

Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?

And now, my review:

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter had me hooked from the start.  The Viscount is arriving at his inherited estate to see the condition and make arrangements to keep it going strong.  I was laughing out loud when he comes upon the interaction of the woman thinking that he’s broken into the stable to steal a horse.  SO funny!  And so, the story unfolds from there.  There’s a wonderful twisting of a charming plot to this one. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Vying-Viscount-Hearts-Kristi-Hunter-ebook/dp/B0821NWYKB/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3VEW1KZ3K0GKB&dchild=1&keywords=vying+for+the+viscount+by+kristi+ann+hunter&qid=1609274498&sprefix=vying+for+the+%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/vying-for-the-viscount-1/kristi-hunter/9780764235252/pd/235253?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vying-for-the-viscount-kristi-ann-hunter/1133988304?ean=9780764235252

The Blacksmith Brides by 4 Authors

 

Here is the book summary:

Hearts Are Forged by the Flames of Gentle Love in 4 Historical Stories
 
Worth Fighting For (1774—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) by Pegg Thomas
Talk of war has surrounded Meg McCracken, including her father and four brothers. Alexander Ogilvie doesn’t care about the coming war; his plans are to head west. When Meg comes to his smithy, sparks fly off more than the forge. But can they build anything during unstable times?
 
Forging Forever (1798—Cornwall, England) by Amanda Barratt
When the actions of Elowyn Brody’s father force her into a marriage of convenience with blacksmith Josiah Hendrick, she consigns love to a bygone dream. But as Elowyn comes to know her new husband, her flame of hope begins to burn again. Until heartache threatens to sever the future forged between them.
 
A Tempered Heart (1861—Charlottesville, Virginia) By Angela K. Couch
Buried under a debt that is not his own, Thomas Flynn’s only focus is gaining his freedom. He has learned to keep his head low and not pay attention to the troubles of others, until a peculiar boy and his widowed mother show him how empty his life has become. After years of protecting her son from slights and neglect of the people closest them, Esther Mathews is not sure how to trust the local blacksmith with her child…or her heart.
 
A Malleable Heart (California—1870) by Jennifer Uhlarik
A hard-hearted blacksmith finds acceptance with the town laundress. But when his past comes to call, will he resist love’s softening or allow God to hammer his ruined life into something of worth?

And now, my review:

The Blacksmith Brides includes 4 wonderful historical fiction stories in one.  I didn’t make it through Forging Forever because I found the main plot too disturbing.  This has nothing against the author and I’m sure other will love it.  I found Worth Fighting For a non-stop read of drama and romance.  I found A Tempered Heart to be a wonderful read set in a wonderful time period.  And for Malleable Heart what a great premise for another charming story.  Overall, I enjoyed this book. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Blacksmith-Brides-4-Historical-Stories-ebook/dp/B081GHZ1XL/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=blacksmith+brides&qid=1609269720&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/blacksmith-brides-stories-forged-hard-work/amanda-barratt/9781643524221/pd/524223?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blacksmith-brides-amanda-barratt/1136010580?ean=9781643524221

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham

 

Here is the book summary:

Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory, where she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid. But the past has a way of catching up with people.

When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, Aggie's pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves--but he is the one person who can never know.

In the shadows of the Black Hills, can a healing light be shed on the past? Or will the secret Agnes can't seem to outrun destroy her chance at happiness?

Fan-favorite Rachel Fordham brings to life the dusty streets of an 1880s frontier town in this story that affirms where you come from matters far less than where you're going.

And now, my review:

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham was a lovely read of romance.  A woman traveled far away from all she knew to set about life on her own with a new set of people in her life.  What she left behind eventually caught up to her.  I found this to be so drawing that I had it finished quite quickly and enjoyed the journey with these characters.  Well-drawn up and intrigue to the last page. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Once-Dreamed-Rachel-Fordham/dp/0800735390/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rachel+fordham&qid=1609269122&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/a-life-once-dreamed/rachel-fordham/9780800735395/pd/735395?product_redirect=1&search_term=A%20Life%20Once%20Dreamed&Ntt=735395&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-life-once-dreamed-rachel-fordham/1133988349?ean=9780800735395

Eye of the Storm by Ryan Stevenson

 

Here is the book summary:

How an unexpected lightning storm changed everything

Ryan Stevenson’s Dove Award-winning breakout hit “Eye of the Storm” was an overnight success, but his path to releasing that song was decades in the making. Ryan always knew he was called to be a musician, yet it took years of career changes, failed label contracts, and leaps of faith for him to achieve his dream. 

In his debut book Eye of the Storm, Ryan shares his zig-zagging journey from farm boy to singer and songwriter, and the life events along the way that have shaped his relationship with God. From his insecurity with self-image, to his grief and fear during his mother’s lengthy battle with cancer, to his high-stress days working as a paramedic, Ryan describes the many ways his faith was tested—and how each trial helped him become more reliant on Christ.

Eye of the Storm will inspire, encourage, and challenge you to trust more deeply in God, confident that any struggle you face in life will help mold you into the person He wants you to become.

And now, my review:

I found Eye of the Storm by Ryan Stevenson to be raw and vulnerable.  This author shares some really hard things with the reader and I found that to be quite the blessing to be let into so many aching places. He shares delays, twists, turns, and compound situations galore.   As a person that is not in the medical field, I found some of the information/reading to be quite appalling and hard to read.  God bless those in the medical field, as He has made them for that purpose and work.  May they receive His strength daily to carry on.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Eye-Storm-Experiencing-When-Cant/dp/0736979778/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=eye+of+the+storm&qid=1609267713&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/storm-experiencing-when-cant-see-him/ryan-stevenson/9780736979771/pd/979771?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-eye-of-the-storm-ryan-stevenson/1133197202?ean=9780736979771